Basics of Scientific Communication

Transcription

1 25-29 January Academic and University Centre Nove Hrady, Czech Republic Technical English Basics of Scientific Communication Speaking & Writing Jiří Masojídek, Josef Komenda Inst. of Physical Biology, University of South Bohemia, Nové Hrady Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences, Třeboň 2

2 Goal The aim of this course is to help students and young researchers in preparation of oral presentations as well as writing papers p in English. The same rules are also valid for Czech and other languages. 5

3 English is already the lingua franca of science and, if every future book were published in English, it would certainly make life easier for the English-speaking world. Nevertheless, without translation we would still be denied access to the foreign language literature. D. Walker. Scientists and scholars should learn to use English simply. Short, simple words - in short, straightforward sentences usually express meaning more clearly l than do obscure words and complicated sentences. Robert A. Day English is not just international language of science. Increasingly, English is becoming the international language g of business, computing and general communication. J. Masojídek: Úvod-J. Základy Masojídek: vědecké Course komunikace Opening 6

4 English knowledge in PhD study PhD student should communicate in his specialisation. Requirements Reading & understanding text Translation of text t Understanding of oral lecture Delivery of oral presentation and discussion i Writing and preparation of scientific text article, abstract, poster, letter 7

5 Common European reference levels of language knowledge A1: Breakthrough Knowledge of expressions of every-day life, i.e. introduce yourself, speak about your home-town, house or flat, family, hobbies -ability of slow conversation n with good pronunciation A2: Waystage Understanding sentences and frequently used expressions, which are used in every-day life (family, shopping, profession). The communication in standard and usual common situations, in which you need to exchange information on usual problems or simple issues. 8

6 B1: Threshold Understanding the main points of simple speech about school, work, free-time activities, etc. Language use in most situations during travel, shopping etc. Simple and coherent communication about general topics and personal concern. B2: Vantage Understanding the complex text of actual or abstract topics, understanding discussion concerning special topic. Spontaneous and coherent discussion at good level to enjoy communication with native speakers. 9

7 C1: Effective Operational Proficiency Reading & understanding a wide spectrum of complex, long texts. Comprehensible and detailed communication skills of complex topics with use of various expressions. C2: Mastery Understanding practically all texts or oral discussions (radio and TV broadcast). Spontaneous, continual and detailed discussion at advanced level using various professional terms and distinguishing fine details and meanings. 10

8 University students of natural sciences Two foreign languages - First language (English) should be spoken at advanced d level l (C1-C2) - Second language (German, French, Spanish, Russian, Italian) basic communication level B2 11

9 Course schedule One-week block course Monday-Friday January 25-29, Lectures (morning 9-12 h) Workshops and discussions i (afternoon h) 12

10 Lecture topics Preparation of C.V. and Abstract Speaking at scientific meetings Writing scientific papers (technique of writing) Preparation of poster Use of software Fast (time-saving) reading Preparation of PhD thesis Preparation of project proposal Survival kit for stay abroad 13

11 Programme and Schedule of the Course Monday, 25 January Opening (J. Masojídek) Literature, journals, books General information (J.Komenda) Technique of writing Curriculum vitae (J.Komenda) Afternoon workshop: Introduction of participants, Curricula vitae Tuesday, 26 January Speaking at scientific meetings Part I and II (J.Masojídek) Important remarks to writing (J.Komenda) Afternoon workshop: Discussion of abstracts and laboratory manuals Wednesday, 27 January Poster preparation and its presentation (J.Komenda) Technique of writing Part IandIIWriting a scientific paper (J.Masojídek) Afternoon workshop: Poster reviews, Presentation of short lectures by students (Part 1) Thursday, 28 January Preparation of Ph.D. Thesis (J. Masojídek) Fast (time-saving) reading of papers (J.Komenda) Use of software for presentation (J.Komenda) Afternoon workshop: Presentation of short lectures by students (part 2) Friday, 29 January Preparation of grant proposal, project report (J.Komenda) Survival kit for scientific stay abroad (J.Masojídek) Discussion, Closing the course 14

12 Requirements to Get Credit Please, submit ASAP Students have to prepare p texts and presentations for afternoon workshops and discussions (obligatory to pass the course): 1. Curriculum vitae structured (1 page A4, MS Word format) 2. User s manual prepare work instructions for any equipment or procedure used in your laboratory (1 page, MS Word format) 3. Abstract for conference (½ page, MS Word format) 4. Poster presentation for conference (describe your results in PowerPoint format as 1 page size cm) 5. Presentation of short oral conference contribution lecture (10-15 min, PowerPoint) 15

13 Further reading Booklet in Czech: Z. Šesták: Jak psát a přednášet o vědě (How to Write and Lecture on Science) 11 chapters how to read a paper, preparation of scientific text, poster, abstract, project proposal, preparation p of lecture, style of oral presentation Book in English: Vernon Booth, Communication in Science, Cambridge University Press 2006, (2 nd edition) This text is very good, straightforward and comprehensive about writing scientific papers and speaking at scientific meetings. J. Masojídek Jak mluvit J. Masojídek: na vědeckých Course setkáních Opening 16

14 J. Masojídek Jak mluvit J. Masojídek: na vědeckých Course setkáních Opening 17

15 J. Masojídek Jak mluvit J. Masojídek: na vědeckých Course setkáních Opening 18

16 Academic Manual J. Masojídek Jak mluvit J. Masojídek: na vědeckých Course setkáních Opening 19

17 Thank you for attention Jiří Masojídek Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences, Třeboň Institute of Physical Biology, University of South Bohemia,Nové Hrady Czech Republic Třeboň J. Masojídek Jak mluvit J. Masojídek: na vědeckých Course setkáních Opening 20

18 J. Masojídek Jak mluvit J. Masojídek: na vědeckých Course setkáních Opening 21